Maryland Kids Get To Play Like A Raven Saturday
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Play like a Raven! Hundreds of Maryland's youth got the opportunity to do that Saturday morning.
Tracey Leong reports the players did it in style, thanks to the team.
This is the fifth year the Ravens Foundation has given grants to youth football teams in Maryland but this is the first year players were able to come to the stadium to pick up the equipment and even play on the field.
Bursting through the Ravens tunnel and rocking new gear from head to toe, these young athletes are pumped for the season.
"Awesome and it feels good," said Xavier Johnson, who plays for the Frederick Steelers.
"Really cool," said Destin Seese, who plays for the Hampstead Ravens. "I Like the shoes. The socks are cool, too."
The Ravens Foundation is awarding grants to local youth football teams, giving players new jerseys, cleats, socks and accessories.
"We are an NFL team. We are in Baltimore and we need to give back to the youth football," said Matt Little, Ravens Marketing & Outreach.
A treat not only for the teams but the coaches, as well.
"I just want to do anything to make the kids happy, and as a coach your job is to build them up, not tear them down," said Frederick Steelers Coach Anthony Cook.
These youth players are also getting an important life lesson: learning the value of giving back.
"Carry this with you through life because someday, you may be in the same spot in your life and you can do something for kids," said Hampstead Ravens Coach Chris Harper. "And they get that. They're really excited to be here. They're young but they get it."
"Help somebody else," Johnson said.
"Makes me want to share with other people and make people happy like the Ravens did," Seese said.
With a fresh perspective and bright new threads, these kids are ready to tackle the gridiron and play like a Raven!
"We are a team. We look good, we look sharp," Harper said. "We are all dressed the same way. Let's go out and do what we do."
Twenty-seven youth football teams throughout Maryland received uniforms and gear. The apparel is made by Under Armour and worth around $1,000 per team.
